Consumer complaint received 2021-11-01
Company: BANK OF HAWAII CORPORATION
State: HI
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Other banking product or service
Issue: Managing an account
Sub-issue: Deposits and withdrawals

Complaint:
Date : Wednesday, XX/XX/XXXX. 
Amount : Service to withdraw large bills. 
Action : Discrimination/Harassment with service due to religious exemption from wearing mask. 

What happened : Let me start by saying, I have banked at Bank of Hawaii for years and have always appreciated their service. I think it's a great organization and it has helped me with several banking services throughout the years, which I am grateful for. 
However, I have a legal federal religious exemption from wearing a mask. On this day I was asked to leave the building when I tried to gain access to my bank account to withdraw large bills. Someone behind the counter called security. XXXX, an employee, appeared from behind the teller counter and asked me to put on a mask. I told him I had a legal federal exemption, I even provided paperwork. XXXX explained " store policy '' required that I wear a mask. I tried to explain Law supersedes store policy. XXXX said " I know '' but preceded to request I wait outside. XXXX took my ID, withdrawal slip, and asked me for my bank account information just outside of the front entrance. After I gave him the information ( again we were outside ) he asked me back inside so I could sign the withdrawal slip. XXXX took my withdrawal paperwork along with my ID to retrieve the money. I waited at the back wall, until the manager, XXXX ( I believe ), walked over from her desk, insisted I wait outside, and escorted me out the door. XXXX and his manager, XXXX, came outside with an envelope holding the amount of cash I requested to withdraw, over {$1000.00} in large bills. XXXX asked me if I wanted to count the money there, at the front door of the bank, or in my car, and she had very angry and aggressive tone. Either option is not an acceptable safe and secure place where I want to expose the money I had just withdrawn. The parking lot had other people, not to mention we were standing at the front door where people walk in and out to access the bank. I told them I'd prefer to count the money inside the bank. XXXX was visibly cross and her tone was angry. I explained I did not want to fight, I even held up my hands in surrendor. I explained, again, I have a legal federal exemption. XXXX angrily said that my exemption did not work at the bank. When I reminded her the bank is a public place of business, XXXX rolled her eyes and ultimately allowed me back into the building where the money could be counted in private, safe, and secure place. As the bank is governed by the Federal Reserve, I imagine they must abide by federal laws. US Federal Law Title II, Code 42- 2000 ( a ) which states individuals have free and equal access to all facilities and services in business establishments, regardless of store policies. Furthermore, denying my service or requiring me to be served outside or be limited to home delivery is a violation of Title II, III and VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation