Meet our founder, Sal Miwa

Born and raised in Japan, Sal grew up with a dream of becoming a pilot. After graduating from high school, he moved to the United States—a global center for aviation—to pursue that ambition. He began his training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida, where he earned both his private pilot license and a degree in aeronautical engineering in 1979. He later obtained a master’s degree in aerospace engineering from MIT in 1981.

 

Following graduation, he spent several months in Tokyo before relocating to the New York metropolitan area in 1982. There, he engaged in a wide range of entrepreneurial and leadership roles across diverse industries, including electronic equipment distribution, optoelectronics and vision systems, bluefin tuna fishing and export, plastic injection molding, cattle ranching joint ventures, real estate investment, online services, composite decking manufacturing, wood kiln manufacturing, chemical production, and aviation manufacturing and services such as jet charter and air ambulance operations. He has served on various private, public, and nonprofit boards, including as chairman of a NASDAQ-listed company.

 

In late 2011, Sal moved to Hawaii, where he played a key role in turning around a real estate company while becoming actively engaged in community and civic efforts. He went on to serve as Chair of the Japan-America Society of Hawaii(JASH) for three years and as Chair of the Pacific Air Forces Civilian Advisory Council(AFCAC) for five years. In 2025, he was nominated by the Commander of Pacific Air Forces and appointed by the U.S. Secretary of the Air Force as a member of the Air & Space Forces Civic Leader Program, a prestigious Department of the Air Force initiative that brings together influential civilian leaders to advise Air Force and Space Force leadership.

 

He has co-chaired the Gannenmono Celebration, the 150th Anniversary of Japanese Immigration to Hawaii in 2018, and the Hawaii–Japan Sister State & Sister City Summits in 2023 and again in 2026. He also helped organize a 1,200-attendee event for Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during his visit to meet President Obama in 2016.

 

With his extensive experience and network, Sal enjoys helping others succeed in business in any way he can.

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Sal is currently serving as:​

• Chair (2021~)- Pacific Air Forces Civilan Advisory Council (AFCAC) 

• Director (2013~, Chair 2016~2018) - Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) 

• Member (2025~)- Air and Space Forces Civic Leader Program under the Department of the Air Force

• Director (2018~) - Ukulele Foundation of Hawaii (Holds Annual International Ukulele Festival)